Louis Appell Jr., a prominent figure in York, passes away at 92

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Louis Appell Jr. via York County Community Foundation

Louis Appell Jr., a prominent figure in York, passes away at 92

Louis Appell Jr. via York County Community Foundation

YORK, Pa.– Louis Appell Jr., one of the most prominent businessmen and philanthropists in York died Monday, according to the York Daily Record.

He recently celebrated his 92nd birthday on June 19. His family said that Appell died at about 6:45 p.m. on Monday, just three or four weeks after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Appell was the former president and CEO of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff, and his family owned one of the largest radio chains in the United States. However, he was also known for his dedication to York, supporting a variety of things such as the art community to the minor league baseball team.

Appell previously met with the younger generation to hear about their ideas for the future of the city and was a big proponent behind the latest developments in York.

“He believed in York when no one else did,” said Meagan Feeser, the marketing director with Downtown Inc.

The organization honored Appell and his wife, Jody, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to improving life in York.

Feeser said it’s hard to envision doing the work of improving the city without his contributions.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today issued the following statement of personal reflections on York business and community leader Louis Appell Jr., who passed away Monday evening:

“To say that Louis was a giant in greater York and across Pennsylvania would be an understatement. He was a visionary who understood where the worlds of communication and technology were going long before the internet and cellphones were available, yet Louis still answered his own phone.

“I saw first-hand the tremendous influence and impact Louis had in preserving and revitalizing York, from supporting the baseball stadium to improving the public education system and ensuring the arts community had a place to thrive. Aside from preserving the Yorktowne Hotel, Louis personally funded roof and infrastructure repairs for a number of churches in the area.

“Knowing Louis, I’m sure that there are many, many more projects and initiatives that owe their existence to his influence and financial support, but the majority will never bear his name because that is the kind of person he was.

“Louis’ legacy will live on for generations. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.”

Governor Wolf issues statement on Appell’s passing

Gov. Wolf: “With the death of Louis Appell, Jr. yesterday we lost a true giant. Louis was a very good human being who cared deeply about his community and its citizens, all of whom he considered his neighbors. Louis expressed his deep and abiding love of his community through an unparalleled generosity. He was generous in his concern and he was generous in the many contributions he made to the community he loved. His leadership encouraged us all to think and act more expansively, more imaginatively, more generously and more effectively than we would have had he not shown us the way. York and the region that surrounds it is a much better place than it would have been had we not had the privilege of sharing that place with Louis Appell.”